Buying a PS5 in Japan: the ¥55,000 model and what to check
Japan's cheapest PS5 runs in Japanese only and works only with Japanese accounts. Which models suit a US player, prices in dollars updated daily, and what to check.
On Nov 13, 2026, at ¥159.97 to the dollar, 4 of the 5 products here cost less in Japan; the widest gap is Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Japanese-language only) (43% less).
The short answer
If you live in the US, skip the ¥55,000 PS5 Digital Edition (Japanese language only). It runs in Japanese only, works only with PlayStation accounts set to Japan, and Sony says it meets only Japan's safety standards and should not be used abroad. The regular Japanese models are the all-language versions and cost a little less than in the US at recent exchange rates, but Sony Japan's warranty applies only in Japan.
The models sold in Japan
| Regular PS5, Digital Edition, PS5 Pro | Digital Edition (Japanese language only) | |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | CFI-2000A01, CFI-2000B01, CFI-7100B01 | CFI-2200B01 |
| System language | All languages | Japanese only |
| PlayStation accounts | No region limit on the console | Country/region set to Japan only |
| PlayStation Store | Your account's own store | Japanese store only |
| Use outside Japan | Warranty applies only in Japan | Sony advises against it |
What the Japanese-language model means for you
- A US PlayStation account will not work on it, so games and subscriptions bought on your US account cannot be used there.
- Data from accounts outside Japan cannot be transferred or restored to it.
- It accepts the separately sold disc drive, and its performance is the same as other PS5 models.
Before you buy a regular model
- Check the model number on the box against the table above: the Japanese-language model is CFI-2200B01 and both Digital Editions come in a black box.
- Keep the receipt: Sony Japan's warranty lasts one year from purchase, needs proof of purchase, and is valid only in Japan.
- Japanese models are built for Japan's electrical and safety standards. Check the rating label before plugging one in at home.
Tax refund
Visitors can get Japan's 10% consumption tax back on goods bought at a tax-free shop and taken out of the country. Since November 1, 2026 you pay the full price first and get the refund after the customs check on departure. See how the tax refund works.
Today's prices
| Product | Japan ¥ | Japan in USD | US USD | Japan vs US | Tax-free | Even at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consoles | ||||||
| PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Japanese-language only) | ¥55,000 | $344 | $600 | −43% | −48% | ¥91.7 |
| PlayStation 5 Digital Edition | ¥89,980 | $562 | $600 | −6% | −15% | ¥150.0 |
| PlayStation 5 (disc) | ¥97,980 | $612 | $650 | −6% | −14% | ¥150.7 |
| PlayStation 5 Pro | ¥137,980 | $863 | $900 | −4% | −13% | ¥153.3 |
| PlayStation Portal | ¥39,980 | $250 | $250 | ±0% | −9% | ¥159.9 |
Japan prices include 10% consumption tax; US prices are before sales tax. Tax-free: the Japan price without consumption tax, as most visitors pay when taking goods home. Even at: the yen rate at which both prices match.